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Ohtani hits 30th homer as Dodgers take 3–1 lead

8/19/2026

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Summary

Ohtani 30th HR

Shohei Ohtani hit his 30th home run on Aug. 18, 2026, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.
He has not pitched since July 3, 2026, because of knee inflammation, aims to return in September, and entered August with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA.
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 30th home run on Aug. 17, 2026, logged 31 steals and led MLB in defensive run value and WAR.

Summary

Roberts Discusses Pitching

Roberts said Ohtani’s pitching future depends on the health of the Dodgers’ other four starters.
Blake Snell returned from elbow surgery, tossing six innings with one run, two hits and five strikeouts.
Ohtani has a bullpen session on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and will pitch again if he feels fine the next day.
Roberts urged Edwin Díaz, who gave up three runs in the ninth, to regain confidence.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 home-run race, when Mark McGwire set a 70-homer single-season record and Sammy Sosa hit 66, proved that a prolific slugger can keep a club competitive despite pitching woes. That lesson guides the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers, who lean on Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong to offset their rotation plagued by injuries this season.

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Ohtani 30th HR

Shohei Ohtani hit his 30th home run on Aug. 18, 2026, giving the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.
He has not pitched since July 3, 2026, because of knee inflammation, aims to return in September, and entered August with an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA.
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 30th home run on Aug. 17, 2026, logged 31 steals and led MLB in defensive run value and WAR.

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